So in doing business locally with my friends at PSA now for a decade, I have had the pleasure of enjoying quite a few products. 300s, 250, 700s, Jr, Sr, NuWave, BHK pre, Strata and Sprout. But I drew the line at those damn regens. Too many issues and I like my Niagara etc.
So today I was thinking of upgrading the Niagara. 2021 has been a weird year. I started with an integrated amp. Decided separates was the way to go. Then mono blocks but that looked really expensive so now I’m back with an integrated. Good news is it’s all good. No major losses along the way (That was just lucky) and all incremental improvements as integrated amps have come a loooong way. (I’m sure eventually separates wins but not today anyway).
So I thought I’d call Jake at PSA and see what he had to say about the crazy regen proposition. I also looked at reviews and spoke to a few friends. Well hell, I now have a P12 in my system. Too early to comment on grand improvements as first I just wanted to see how to operate it and if the 12 was the right piece of kit as they say. I have a main integrated, DS, Sony TV, and a AV Integrated.
I figured my main concern is the main integrated which according to mfg could draw 8 amps. Well with everything on in standby I’m at 17%. All on (out of standby) 21% and blasting BTO 32%. I assume this has to do with speakers rated at 91dB but I’m at like a couple amps- no where near 8 - so far so good.
I turned off 1 bank (not used at this point) and turned the others to “Always On”. I am figuring I want everything to stay in standby. Also seems with this configuration, “Dim” and pressing the off/Standby button is about the same thing? The P12 is just humming along in the background.
Looks like THD went from 2.5% to about .1%. That can’t be bad…
So far I am very pleased but I have not had a chance to watch the power screen on bass heavy tracks etc. I think power wise I’m fine. Mfg does not spec power draw but recommended the 8 amp peak. I think if I hit 8 amps I would need to go to the hospital.
Any advice or tips on these dang contraptions please let me know! (break-in?). I always like asking the community as everyone here has practical experience and most are very helpful.
I’ll be glad to update with impressions if anyone is interested. So far though, I may just like this thing… Sure took me long enough. (Good job Jake)